Disaggregated Electricity Consumption Patterns in Households Using Appliance Load Profiles

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the residential electricity demand in India, where the residential sector makes up 27% of the overall electricity usage. The study aims to provide a detailed understanding of the consumption patterns of household appliances. To achieve this, the electricity consumption of individual household appliances in 21 homes across different locations in Hyderabad was monitored. Device-level monitoring equipment, such as smart meters and sockets, was used to collect data for 61 days in summer (1 May 2023 to 30 June 2023) and 30 days in winter (1 Nov 2023 to 30 Nov 2023). The dwellers were chosen on a voluntary basis and had the option to opt out of the study at any point. The study focuses on two aspects of residential electricity consumption patterns: household and appliance levels. For the household-level study, five homes with a greater number of monitored appliances were selected and analyzed for load profiles of regularly used major appliances and daily electricity breakdown during the peak summer (15 May 2023 to 14 June 2023). Moreover, consumption patterns of ACs and geysers were studied individually in detail for the summer and winter. On the other hand, appliance-level analysis was conducted on the appliances, namely washing machine, refrigerator, television and water purifier for summer and winter. Load profiles of these appliances were created to understand seasonality in their usage patterns. The household-level analysis of five homes during peak summer found that six major appliances, namely AC, geyser (domestic water heater), refrigerator, washing machine, television and water purifier, consumed approximately 71% of the total daily electricity. Based on the analysis, it was found that the primary energy consumers in a typical home are the ACs and geysers. During periods of low solar availability, air conditioners accounted for the majority of electricity consumption, while geysers and washing machines were used more frequently during peak solar hours. By implementing a range of strategies, such as adjusting thermostat settings, utilizing fans alongside air conditioners, and opting for high-efficiency models of air conditioners, there is a potential to reduce daily electricity consumption by approximately 10% (437 Wh per home). Another potential measure to consider is the introduction of a district cooling system that incorporates thermal storage, which would shift the energy usage of air conditioners to daytime hours, thus further decreasing nighttime demand. Shifting the geyser usage can redirect 1.05 kWh of daily electrical energy consumption per household during peak solar hours. Additionally, replacing geysers with heat pumps can significantly reduce domestic hot water energy consumption to one-third of the current daily usage. By analyzing these consumption patterns, the study identifies peak consumption periods and explores potential strategies to shift electricity consumption to peak solar hours so that energy from solar PV can be utilized. Moreover, the study also focuses on appliance-level consumption patterns, highlighting the AC and geyser usage trends. It was observed that when the daily average temperatures are greater than 29°C, the energy consumption of ACs tends to be high. Conversely, geysers are utilized in both summer and winter seasons, with a higher energy consumption pattern evident during the winter months. The average load the ACs and geysers imparted during usage was 0.6 kW and 1.87 kW per appliance, respectively. The thesis concludes by providing recommendations on how households can reduce their energy usage and shift their usage patterns to peak solar hours. These include adjusting the setpoints of air conditioners to higher temperatures, using ceiling fans with air conditioners, and utilizing appliances with higher energy efficiency ratios. Ongoing research and adaptation will be crucial to maximize the benefits of these innovations for both consumers and the broader energy ecosystem. The findings of this study provide insights for policymakers, utility providers, and residents looking to reduce energy consumption and achieve a more sustainable energy system. Overall, this thesis report provides a detailed analysis of the electricity consumption patterns of households in Hyderabad and offers practical recommendations for shifting usage patterns to peak solar hours.